The crowing achievement of this year, City of Men, gives another Fernando Meirelles (producer) perspective on the lives of young people living in the depressed neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Where his award-winning film City of God featured two youngsters growing up in Rio"s violent neighborhoods, Men focuses on two inseparable teens about to disconnect in the same distressed world.

In this story, gangs have taken over the three hills surrounding the city. Living in strong holds, the young gang lords control the areas beneath their summit. Ace (Silva) and Wallace (Cunha), who live on Dead-End Hill, are very close friends whose long-time relationship is about to be stressed by fate.

Semi-Pro tries to be good, but fails all around. The silly movie doesn't provide any originality with its mundane storyline for it to be enjoyable. If you are looking for the great witty style of Ferrell, you'll have to rent Blades of Glory or Talladega Nights where he shows his comedic greatness. For those die-hard Ferrell fans, however, you won't want to miss this one so you can say you've seen them all.

The story centers on Jackie Moon (Ferrell), who made his fame on the hit song "Love Me Sexy", and is now the owner of a semi-professional basketball team. More of a promotional tool than a sports team, the Flint Michigan Tropics are cruising in the cellar of their American Basketball League.

Rated: R
Starring: Brendan Gleeson, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, Robin Wright Penn, John Malkovich
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Synopsis: In the age of heroes comes the mightiest warrior of them all, Beowulf. After destroying the overpowering demon Grendel, he incurs the undying wrath of the beast's ruthlessly seductive mother, who will use any means possible to ensure revenge. The ensuing epic battle resonates throughout the ages, immortalizing the name of Beowulf.

Rated: PG
Starring: Various
Directed by: David Grubin

The Jewish Americans is a 3-part, 6-hour documentary mini-series, narrated by Liev Schreiber and written/directed by David Grubin. It begins in 1654, where 23 Jews, forced out of Brazil during the inquisition, arrive in Manhattan to no fanfare.

From then on it focuses on the plight, integration and evolution of a minority who embraced a new and strange land which gave them the opportunity to shine and ascend to new heights, yet often at the resentment and persecution of others.